It appears we skipped right over fall this year. The cool days were fleeting, and suddenly it was cold. We were grabbing our outdoor plants and bringing them inside to avoid frost, and our dogs seemed to grow their heavier winter coats overnight as we were pulling our sweaters out of the attic. But for me, these subtle signs of the season bring on the excitement of holidays, my favorite time of year. The anticipation of getting together with friends and family—an opportunity to stop life in its tracks and spend a few hours, or even a few days, simply enjoying each other—brings a permanent smile to my face. The holiday music, the warm greeting cards, the inspirational Facebook shares and emails ... seriously, just writing about it makes me feel lighthearted after what has been, in many ways, a challenging year. Why do the holidays have that effect on so many of us? Is it the potent gratification of bringing joy to others, of knowing that we make a difference in their lives, or is it the purer joy of human connection? 

Linda Sechrist reflects on this connection in “A Global Wake-up Call,” about the collective consciousness that is nearing a spiritual tipping point. She explains that millions of people around the world are embracing well-being movements, with clear impact. We’re creating a more harmonious world from the inside out. While negativity makes headlines, perhaps there is more power in coming together in positive thought, praying and meditating on the peace we all want. The holidays are a reminder of how we can build that peaceful world: through kindness, giving, caring, loving and sharing. 

As I play some of my favorite seasonal songs in my head—Silver Bells, Silent Night, So This Is Christmas—it’s all clear to me. When there are masses of us humming uplifting songs and reading encouraging greetings and messages, our entire nation begins moving in a kinder way. Every year during the holidays, we spend much of our time contemplating how to make other people happy, creating delicious meals for them or choosing just the right gift to let them know we love them. Every year, this influential country is largely focused on caring for others, and the world changes ... for a moment. Why should all that come to a screeching halt when January rolls around? 

It makes sense that we want for others what we want for ourselves, and that people all want the same thing, no matter where we come from. So how have we become so divided? The holidays give us a glimpse of the world that could be. Imagine if we were to keep the magic of the season going all year long, if our thoughts were always about hope and possibilities. Perhaps a miracle is as simple as believing in oneness—that we are all connected, all part of the bigger picture, all equals in a better world.

 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and peaceful holiday,

 

Scott & Daralyn Chase